Flat banknote dispenser

ABSTRACT

A low profile banknote stacker/dispenser uses a central diverting switch provided intermediate two opposed banknote stackers. The stack of banknotes is passed from one banknote stacker to the other banknote stacker, and the central switch allows a new banknote to be added and aligned with the banknote stacker. The banknote stacker is then passed in the opposite direction for the addition of a further banknote to the banknote stacker. This oscillating modular design is space efficient and cost effective.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a banknote processing device that is capable of dispensing a stack of banknotes to a user. In particular, the invention relates to such a device having a low profile banknote stacker/dispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has been proposed in automatic banknote dispensing systems to receive banknotes and dependent upon the condition of the banknotes received in settlement of a transaction, consider storing the banknotes in a manner to be available for settlement of future transactions. Such an arrangement uses a banknote recycling device which allows these previously received banknotes to be dispensed as change for settlement of a transaction. In some automated payment systems, banknotes are dispensed one at a time as change for settlement of a transaction, whereas in other devices, the banknotes are stacked and dispensed as a stack to the user.

Our earlier automated banknote payment systems included a banknote stacker/dispenser which included a rotary drum which acted as a support surface for receiving banknotes to be stacked. Basically, the banknotes were partially wound onto the drum with each banknote to be added being aligned with the previously stacked banknotes on the drum. This device also included a dispensing mechanism for stripping of banknotes from the rotary drum and passing a stack of banknotes through a port for withdrawal by a user.

The present invention uses a different banknote stacker/dispenser where the banknote stacker/dispenser is an oscillating type and is of a flat or low profile design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The banknote stacker/dispenser according to the present invention includes two banknote stack positions either side of a banknote diverting switch that are connected by a conveying arrangement. This banknote diverting switch allows banknotes to be passed through the switch whereby a stack of banknotes can be accumulated either side of the switch. As the stack of banknotes is transported through the switch, a new banknote to be added to the stack is moved and diverted by the switch to bring the leading edge of the stack of banknotes moving through the switch into alignment with the leading edge of a banknote to be added to the stack. The stack of banknotes passes through the switch and the new banknote is added to it. If a further banknote is to be added to the stack, the stack of banknotes is passed again through the banknote switch now in the opposite direction. The banknote switch now diverts the new banknote in the other direction to bring its leading edge in alignment with the leading edge of the stack of banknotes as they move through the switch. The stack of banknotes can ultimately be dispensed by moving through an outlet port provided at one end of the banknote stack conveying arrangement.

With this oscillating banknote stacker/dispenser, it is possible to stack banknotes in an efficient manner using a low profile device. This provides effective space utilization and may allow additional or larger capacity of components of the banknote processing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view through a banknote processing device showing details of the flat banknote stacker/dispenser;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a central routing switch in combination with a stack of banknotes to be passed therethrough; and

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are schematic views similar to FIG. 2 where a banknote is added to the stack and the new banknote is shown at various stages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows details of a banknote processing device 2 having a banknote validator 4 in combination with a series of banknote recyclers 8, 10 and 12 clustered about the central routing switch 6. Banknotes are provided to the validator or through the inlet 5 and if the banknote is judged to be acceptable, it is outputted from the validator to the central switch 6 for receipt by one of the recyclers 8, 10 or 12, or to a non recycler/stacker not shown.

In completing any financial transaction, it may be necessary for the banknote processing device to provide change for the financial transaction to the user. In some cases this requires the dispensing of a series of banknotes which have been previously stored in any of the recyclers 8, 10 and 12. It is preferred to use recyclers, however, it is also be possible to use the present flat banknote dispenser mechanism with banknote accumulators which have been previously stored with banknotes for dispensing as change. Recyclers are advantageous as they use the banknotes that are provided for transactions for subsequent change, thereby reducing service frequency.

The banknote processing device 2 also includes an additional banknote drive 26 providing banknotes from the central switch 6 to the flat or low profile banknote dispenser 16. Typically, these banknotes are being provided by one of the recyclers 8, 10 or 12.

The flat banknote stacker/dispenser 16 includes a diverting switch 20 provided intermediate the banknote stackers 22 and 24. Each of these banknote stackers allow a stack of banknotes to pass therethrough and through the diverting switch 20. This flat banknote stacker/dispenser arrangement basically passes a stack of banknotes back and forth between the banknote stackers 22 and 24 and with each pass through the switch 20, a further banknote can be added to the stack. This process will be explained with respect to FIGS. 3 through 5.

In FIG. 2, the diverting switch 20 basically allows a banknote provided to the switch by the additional banknote drive 26 to be diverted to the left or to the right. In FIG. 3, a stack of banknotes 40 are being moved from left to right through the switch 20 and a new banknote 42 is being added thereto as the stack of banknotes pass through the switch. The leading edge of the banknotes 40 are aligned with the leading edge of the banknote 42 as the stack of banknotes pass through the switch 20. As the stack of banknotes 40 continues to move through the switch, the new banknote 42 is effectively added to the stack as generally shown in FIG. 4. By the time the stack of banknotes 40 has been moved to the banknote stacker 24, the additional banknote 42 has been added to the stack. This is effectively shown in FIG. 5. If a further banknote 44 is to be added, the stack of banknotes 40 as shown in FIG. 5 is then passed through the switch 20 from right to left and the leading edge of banknote 44 is now aligned with the leading edge of the new stack of banknotes 40.

With this arrangement, each passage of the stack of banknotes through the switch 20 allows a further banknote to be added to the stack. Once sufficient banknotes have been added to the stack to allow completing of the financial transaction, the stack of banknotes can be outputted through the banknote stack discharge port 30 shown in FIG. 1. As can be appreciated, the banknote stack discharge port 30 is merely shown schematically and various security arrangements may be provided between the device 22 in the output port 30. The stack of banknotes is then dispensed through the banknote stack discharge port 30 and the user then completes withdrawal of the stack.

As can be appreciated from a review of FIG. 1, the oscillating flat banknote stacker/dispenser is of a low profile whereby the space within the banknote processing device 2 can be kept to a minimum or additional recyclers can be provided below the flat banknote stacker/dispenser. In previous designs, the banknote stacker/dispenser would occupy a space at least equal to one of the recyclers or the validator. With the present flat banknote stacker/dispenser, the space above these components is effectively used for the stacker/dispenser and a more space efficient design is realized.

The present design also is modular and these devices can be provided with a simplified banknote dispensing mechanism if desired. The flat banknote stacker/dispenser could be added at a later date if desired.

Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A flat banknote stacker/dispenser comprising a central diverting switch for a banknote to be dispensed, opposed banknote stacker receivers for receiving a stack of banknotes and transporting a stack of banknotes through said central diverting switch to said opposed banknote stacker, a banknote feed arrangement coordinated with said banknote stackers and said central routing switch for adding a banknote to a stack of banknotes passing through said switch or for initiating a stack of banknotes to be dispensed; said stacker/dispenser oscillating said stack of banknotes in opposite directions; said banknote stacker/dispenser, including a discharge port for discharging the stack of banknotes through said discharge port. 